BetBright unveils world's first robot jockey

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Bookmaker BetBright has unveiled the world's first Robot Jockey ahead of this week's Cheltenham Festival that is capable of riding a horse and jumping fences.

Made from lightweight steel and using state-of-the-art technology, the jockey is capable of directing a horse to a gallop of more than 30 miles per hour, jumping four-foot-high fences and also communicating with humans through its Artificial Intelligence and built-in voice.

The technological creation was commissioned by future-thinking bookmaker BetBright following a report by renowned futurologist, Dr. Pearson BSc DSc(hc), stating that robot jockeys who have the potential to compete with and even beat the best jockeys in the world could be possible by 2025.

BetBright Chairman and racehorse owner, Rich Ricci, was at the unveiling of the robot jockey to see how it matched up to world renowned jockeys such as Ruby Walsh, AP McCoy and Paul Townend.

BetBright Chairman and racehorse owner Rich Ricci said, "I was genuinely impressed with what the team was able to create in just three months. I had expected RoboJockey to be able to ride, but I never expected it to be able to jump fences or talk to me about upcoming races. It will be fascinating to see how robotics and AI continue to evolve and the impact it will have in multiple sports."

Marcus Brennan, CEO of BetBright, said, "Just as BetBright is using the latest technology and AI to enhance our customers' experience, it is clear that future advancements in technology and AI will open a world of new possibilities for enhancing the sports themselves for the fans.

"In just under three months we have been able to build a state-of-the-art prototype of a Robot Jockey that can gallop on a horse, make fluid turns and even jump fences; it really is an incredible piece of technology."

The robot jockey will be available for punters at Cheltenham Festival to view and interact with on Friday, 16 March, adjacent to the parade ring in BetBright's activation area.

BetBright sponsors the BetBright Cup at Cheltenham festival, a coveted trophy awarded to the country with the greatest number of Cheltenham festival winners. Irish horses ruled the Gloucestershire turf at last year's festival, delivering the English contingent with a crushing 19 – 9 defeat despite Great Britain starting the festival as favorites.